Executive Vice President of CRUCH: Grade Ranking is a measure of equity for the vast majority of Chilean students

The Executive Vice President of CRUCH, Juan Manuel Zolezzi, referred to the complaints of students from the Instituto Nacional who disagree with the modification in the weighting in the Ranking of Grades, a measure that the universities have adopted autonomously.

The Council of Rectors, during its extraordinary session held at the Catholic University, received a delegation from the Instituto Nacional, headed by its principal, Fernando Pérez, and Rodrigo Parra, a senior student. On this occasion, they delivered a letter requesting a postponement of the changes to the weighting of the Grade Ranking, which have already been announced by several universities, arguing that a higher weighting would disadvantage them.

Rector Zolezzi pointed out that incorporating the Grade Ranking was a decision based on studies, which indicate that it is a tool that contributes to equity in access and inclusion in universities for students from vulnerable sectors, as well as functioning as a better predictor of future performance.

«"All the universities that have decided to increase the weighting of the ranking have done so after deep reflection and analysis of data that indicate that it is not only a tool that contributes to inclusion but also improves the retention and graduation rates of young people in their careers.".

Rector Zolezzi reiterated that the decision to modify the weightings rests autonomously with the universities. He noted that the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) has decided that modifications to the Ranking will be made over a three-year period, this being the second year. Last year, the Ranking's weighting was set at a maximum of 10% for all institutions, but it was announced that this weighting would increase. This year, the decision was made that the Grade Ranking would have a minimum weighting of 10%, the NEM (National High School Grade Point Average) a minimum of 10%, and the PSU (University Selection Test) a minimum of 50%.

Regarding the students of the Instituto Nacional, two meetings have been held to date with the principal of that institution, during which these concerns were raised. Principal Zolezzi reiterated the invitation to discuss the matter and expressed the willingness of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) and its Admissions System to visit the school to answer any questions about these changes. He stated that "their concerns are understandable, but to resolve this issue we must consider the greater good. This measure will benefit a large group of students who, despite being good students in their schools, have never before had the opportunity to access university.".